Lisbon: Question about Taxis

[duirwaigh]

in this port, are the taxis regulated and trustworthy? say, for example, we simply want to go from the port into the center, or to one specific location in the city, can we trust that the meter will be regulated fairly? are there signs to watch out for? or do we have to negotiate each ride?

 

e.g. when we went to prague it was always important that the taxi was an AAA certified taxi AND was running on the meter to avoid rip off charges.

[Bobocasey]

If you do your research you will find that public transportation is easy to use in Lisbon. However, with any city you need to be aware that there are pickpockets, and need to be aware of your surrounding and how you carry your money. Also try and not look like a tourist(ie, NO FANNY PACKS)

[biaria]

Bobocasey, no offence meant, but whenever I see a statement such as yours: "...try and not look like a tourist" I can only imagine it must come from a person who has never seen a tourist in his/her home town.

[lalawgirl]

We stayed in Lisbon pre cruise for several days in 2010. Taxis were easy to hail. Just pay the meter price (plus a little extra for tip).

[iancal]

We had no issues with taxis in Lisbon but it was a few years ago.

 

In Europe, you do typically have to do more than just 'look at the price on the meter'. In most cities in Europe there are at least 2 taxi rates. One for the day time, one for evenings and weekends.

 

So, if you look at the meter, somewhere beside the price you will see what is usually a number, ie 1 for daytime, 2 for nightime or Sunday's (whatever the practice is). If you are riding in the taxi during the day, make sure the meter is on 1 for daytime. Some unscrupulous drivers will switch to a '2', ie much higher rate, if a tourist gets in the car.